Unable to create or edit forms

[t5amec]

I have inherited a database from someone who has since left the project and moved to a job in Russia

The database uses a frontend that includes the forms and reports, and is linked to the backend which contains the tables

Problem being, as our project is moving on, this database is to be used in different ways, and we need to add features, but alas there is no way I can see a way of creating and editing the current forms (as well as adding and editing reports)

Have you encountered and tackled this problem in the past?
This is not a password protected database, and you can edit the queries and the tables within...

All suggestions, very welcome

Thanks in Advanced

Make Sense? I hope so (-:

 

[SgtJarrow]

Have you tried creating a new database and importing all the objects in your current db to the new db? You indicate this is not protected, so maybe there just is a bit of a bug in the db or something. That might help...

=======================================
People think it must be fun to be a super genius, but they don't realize how hard it is to put up with all the idiots in the world. (Calvin from Calvin And Hobbs)

Robert L. Johnson III
CCNA, CCDA, MCSA, CNA, Net+, A+, CHDP
VB/Access Programmer

 

[t5amec]

good thinking, tried it, imported both tables and queries but when I selected forms and reports, they were both 'grey'd out' and non selectable

this is quite the conundrum, eh

any other thoughts!?

Make Sense? I hope so (-:

 

[jkl0]

Is your front end an "mdb" or "mde"?
If "mde" you will not have any forms or reports that you can import because it has been compiled from an "mdb.

You need to have the original source file (mdb) to get what you want.

 

[SgtJarrow]

Yep....I concur with jkl0. That sounds like an mde and not and mdb.

Funny thing to note....You can create an mde from an mdb and then name the file extension back to .mdb and access will "think" it is an mdb but it will operate like an mde. Confused? I know this because I once had a client who INSISTED on getting an mdb back from me when done...but I did not want them messing with the business logic and other items related to the forms and all. So I tried to do just what I described and it worked. The received an "mdb" but it was really an mde renaned.

=======================================
People think it must be fun to be a super genius, but they don't realize how hard it is to put up with all the idiots in the world. (Calvin from Calvin And Hobbs)

Robert L. Johnson III
CCNA, CCDA, MCSA, CNA, Net+, A+, CHDP
VB/Access Programmer

 

[t5amec]

haha, sneaky

we've concluded that its down to the file being an MDE rather than MDB file...

now we need to find a decompiler that will reverse the process, making the forms/reports editable

any suggestions?

Make Sense? I hope so (-:

 

[SgtJarrow]

There is no direct way to go from an MDE to an MDB in Access. Your favorite web search engine using "decompile mdb" should turn up a bunch of hits...some free, some not.

Of course, before you try any of the free one, make sure you create and work with a copy of the mde file.

If none of the free ones get you there, let us know. I am sure someone has a suggestion of a decent pay-for version.

Finally, if and when you get it decompiled...make sure you keep a compy of the MDB file before and when you convert to mde again. That way you can easily edit without this mess again.

=======================================
People think it must be fun to be a super genius, but they don't realize how hard it is to put up with all the idiots in the world. (Calvin from Calvin And Hobbs)

Robert L. Johnson III
CCNA, CCDA, MCSA, CNA, Net+, A+, CHDP
VB/Access Programmer

 

[PHV]

The only reliable way is to find the original MDB from which the MDEs were made.

Hope This Helps, PH.
FAQ219-2884
FAQ181-2886

 

[missinglinq]

There are programs that claim to "recover" forms and reports from MDBs from MDEs, but in fact they only recover the graphical interface, they do not recover the data behind these objects. There are companies that provide a service, for hefty fees, for doing the same, but in fact these people are actually simply using the above software to recover the GUIs then writing code that mimics the actions of the MDEs.

As PHV said, the only reliable way is to find the original MDB.

The Missinglinq

Richmond, Virginia

There's ALWAYS more than one way to skin a cat!

 

[t5amec]

well after a long hard search, my colleague had the MDB file on his machine... so panic over

Thanks to all in this thread!

Make Sense? I hope so (-: